Become a Master Recycler

Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Hennepin County Master Recycler/Composter!

Master Recycler/Composters (MRCs) are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. The training also includes field trips to local waste processing and recycling facilities when possible.

Once training is complete, participants commit to volunteering 30-hours putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling and composting education. MRCs have the flexibility to pursue and create waste-reduction focused volunteer opportunities that interest them and serve their communities’ unique needs.

Summer class 2022

The application for the summer class closed at 11:59 p.m. on May 6, 2022.

Applicants will be notified whether they are accepted into the class by the end of the day on May 11, 2022.

Stay tuned for future opportunities!

Master Recycler/Composter media kit

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Program details

As a Master Recycler/Composter, you will support and inspire others in your community to reduce waste, recycle more and compost. You will also gain knowledge from experts, get experience volunteering in the field, and join a large community of volunteers who are enthusiastic about waste reduction and helping others.

Course topics

Waste prevention and thoughtful consumption
Recycling process and sorting information
Organics recycling and home composting
Addressing bias and privilege when volunteering
Public engagement and the motivating behavior change

This course gives participants the tools and education they need to be successful Master Recycler/Composter volunteers; no prior knowledge about waste or recycling is required. Hennepin County provides ongoing support, resources and continuing education to volunteers.

Participant commitment

Participants agree to attend all six class dates and to dedicate approximately 1-hour per week of independent study outside of class. Any field trips are optional but highly encouraged.

Participants commit to volunteer 30-hours of public outreach after graduating from the class. When the 30-hour commitment is fulfilled, participants are considered certified master recycler/composters and are encouraged to continue their volunteer service.

The commitment to use their newfound knowledge and skills to give back to their community is what make Master Recycler/Composter volunteers so special!

Get help from a Master Recycler/Composter

If you have a project or event that could use Master Recycler/Composter volunteers, email Kaitlin Steinberg at kaitlin.steinberg@hennepin.us.

Applicable volunteer opportunities for Master Recycler/Composters can include:

Designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling plans
Staffing booths and monitoring waste at events
Creating educational resources and displays
Giving educational talks/presentations to all ages
Food rescue activities

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Course topics

Participant commitment

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